Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three main lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. Equipped powerlifting is a variation of the sport that allows athletes to use supportive gear to lift heavier weights. In this blog post, we will discuss what equipped powerlifting is, the equipment used, and some of the advantages and disadvantages of this style of lifting.
What is Equipped Powerlifting?
Equipped powerlifting is a form of powerlifting where athletes use supportive gear to enhance their performance. This gear can include special suits, shirts, and wraps that are designed to provide additional support to the muscles and joints during the lift. The goal of equipped powerlifting is to lift the heaviest weight possible using this gear.
The Equipment Used
The equipment used in equipped powerlifting can vary depending on the lift, but generally includes:
Squat Suit: A squat suit is a tight-fitting suit made from thick, supportive material that helps the athlete maintain proper form and provides additional support for the hips and quadriceps during the squat.
Bench Press Shirt: A bench press shirt is a tight-fitting shirt made from specialized materials that helps to reduce the range of motion during the lift, allowing the athlete to handle heavier weights.
Deadlift Suit: A deadlift suit is similar to a squat suit, but is designed to provide additional support for the back during the lift.
Knee Wraps: Knee wraps are made from an elastic material that provides compression to the knees, helping to stabilize them during the squat and reducing the risk of injury.
Wrist Wraps: Wrist wraps are made from an elastic material that provides support to the wrists during the bench press and overhead press, reducing the risk of injury.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the main advantages of equipped powerlifting is the ability to handle heavier weights. The supportive gear provides additional support to the muscles and joints, allowing athletes to lift more weight than they would be able to without the gear. This can be a great way to push through plateaus and break personal records. Your mechanical levers are more supported which can minimize the risk of injury and reduce the amount of stress placed on the joints.
However, there are also some disadvantages to equipped powerlifting. The gear can be expensive and may require specialized knowledge to use properly. Additionally, some lifters may feel that using gear takes away from the purity of the sport and prefer to lift without it. Typically when you lift in equipment, you must lift with at least one other equipped powerlifter to help each other get into your gear -- it is very tight and can leave bruises where the seams sit and where tension reaches its peak.
Conclusion
Equipped powerlifting is a form of powerlifting that allows athletes to use supportive gear to enhance their performance. This gear can include squat suits, bench press shirts, deadlift suits, knee wraps, and wrist wraps. While there are advantages and disadvantages to this style of lifting, it can be a great way to push through plateaus and break personal records. If you're interested in moving as much weight as you possibly can, it's worth considering whether equipped powerlifting is right for you.